Bat Removal Tips: Bats and the Fall in Iowa

We’ve had a very busy season so far this year, and while we only plan to get busier for a little while longer, we wanted to fill you in on some typical things to expect when it comes to bats in the Fall!

Bat Control Now vs. Later

Ah, fall—the season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and evenings around the firepit!   Maybe you’re outside enjoying the evening air, and since the sun is setting earlier again you might catch a glimpse of something darting through the dusky sky. No, those aren’t birds; they’re bats! And just like you, they’re looking for a snug place to settle in for the winter—only their ideal spot might be your attic!

As the temperature drops, bats are on a mission to find a warm and snug spot to hibernate. September and October are prime time for bats to prepare for their long winter nap. Since they won’t be eating for a little while, they’re pretty busy this time of the year zooming around to eat as many insects as possible to fatten up for the cold months ahead. This time of year, both adult bats and their recently born pups are buzzing with activity. But come late October, you’ll notice less of their aerial acrobatics as they start to wind down and shift into hibernation mode.

Could You Have Bats In Your Belfry? Here’s How to Tell

First, what is a belfry? And where did that term come from? The Belfry is the bell tower usual in a church.  If you live in Beaverdale, you hear the bells in the belfry hourly and longer versions on Sundays.  We couldn’t find any news of bats having been up there, though.  

If you suspect bats have taken up residence in your home, here are some telltale signs:

• Small Entry Holes: Look around your roofline and eaves for dime-sized holes with brown staining caused by the oils bats secrete. 

• Bat Droppings (Guano): You might find small, dark droppings in your attic insulation or on the floor. COngratulations, you have found their bathroom; guano can contaminate your home and attract parasites.

• Unusual Smells: Bats can emit an ammonia-like odor.

• Strange Noises: Scratching or fluttering sounds coming from your attic at night could indicate bats. If you’re hearing squeaking or chirping, you’re more likely to be hearing mice or birds.  But, if you’re hearing shuffling or scratching it still might be mice, but it also might be bats! 

Fall: The Perfect Season for Bat Removal

Why is fall the best time to kick bats out of your home? For one, bats are still out and about in search of food and water, making it easier to send them packing. Plus, once the temperature dips below 40 degrees at night, they’ll be on the hunt for warmth—likely under your insulation. Sealing off entry points now will not only keep bats out but also help you save on your energy bills. And while you’re at it, consider replacing any insulation that’s been, shall we say, “enhanced” by bat guano or urine.

Iowa’s Bat Cast

Iowa is home to about 45 species of bats, with the large brown bat and little brown bat being the most common. Other species are also found across the state, including in areas like Urbandale, Johnston, and Des Moines. For more information on Iowa’s bats, check out this visual guide from Iowa State University’s Natural Resource Stewardship: Iowa Bats.

The Importance of Professional Bat Removal

It’s important to note that harming bats is illegal, as they are protected species. Professional bat removal ensures these creatures are safely and humanely excluded from your home, adn that a thorough job is not only done right, but comes with a warranty. 

• Health Risks: Bats can carry diseases that are transferable to humans and pets—definitely not something you want to deal with.

• Structural Damage: Bats are tiny, but their constant movement can weaken your home’s structure over time.

• Tricky Removal: Bats are masters of hiding in hard-to-reach places, making DIY removal a nightmare.

• Legal and Ethical Concerns: Remember, bats are protected species, so it’s important to handle their removal legally and humanely.

Our Bat Removal Process: Safe, Humane, and Effective

At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we prioritize humane removal methods. Our process includes:

• Inspection: We identify all entry points and potential access areas.

• Live Bat Exclusion: We install one-way exits that allow bats to leave but prevent re-entry, while bat-proofing the rest of your home.

• Return Visit: We re-inspect your home in the spring and remove the one-way devices.

The time it takes to evict bats depends on the season. In the summer, it’s usually a quick one-to-three-day process. In the winter, when bats are hibernating, it might take a few weeks—or even months. Learn more here. 

Don’t Wait—Contact Us Today

If you suspect bats are in your home, now is the time to act. Contact us for a professional consultation, and let us help protect your home and family with safe and effective bat removal.